Pawprints Training Academy helps you and your pet to build a partnership based on trust and communication through a variety of different training programs.  We provide the foundation of obedience training with our “Puppy Kindergarten”.  Once you begin to establish a bond with your dog “Beyond Puppy” allows you to graduate to more challenging skills.  If you desire more physical interaction in your training then “Agility” can be your answer.  We offer “Cart Pulling” for those owners with larger breeds built for work as well as “Doggie Dance” owner looking to make a connection with their pets through music.  Training can be a rewarding journey you and your dog experience together, lets us at Pawprints Training Academy facilitate that journey. 

For information about private or group classes, contact Pawprints at Pawprints@bellsouth.net or 772-567-2121. Please stop by or call to discuss training packages and schedules.

Training Classes and Schedule

Puppy Kindergarten

This is our introduction to obedience for dogs up to one year of age.  The goal of this class is to teach owners and their dogs how to communicate with each other.  We use positive reinforcement training techniques to identify and strengthen desired behaviors.  Participants will learn fundamental obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, come and loose leash walking.  Creating a foundation for your dog’s learning that will last them a lifetime.

Duration:  Ongoing      Cost:  $16 per class or $112 for eight classes

Prerequisite:  None

Beyond Puppy

This class is designed for dogs one year and older with little or no formal training.  If you participated in an obedience class but your dog still has problems following simple commands when distracted this is the class for you.  We review all of the basic obedience skills and practice them in real life situations, teach your dog how to meet strangers, sit for pets and walk nicely through a group of people.

Duration:  Ongoing                  Cost:  $16 per class or $112 for eight classes

Prerequisite:  None

Advanced Obedience

In this class the participants go from "on leash" to "off leash".  Dogs will be taught to perform all the basic commands off leash with distractions.  Your dog will be able to respond to commands whether you are inside or outside.  You will learn to verbal commands or hand signals interchangeably with reliable responses from your dog.  Owners and their dogs will learn new commands such as "place", which will allow your dog a limited freedom while maintaining manners and self control in a designated area.  Classes will be held on-site and off-site including a down and dine for graduation.

Duration:  Six Weeks      Cost:  $95

Prerequisite:  Puppy Kindergarten, Beyond Puppy or basic obedience class

Canine Good Citizen

Canine Good Citizen or CGC is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.  C.G.C. is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs.  All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. The course consists of four classes and a test (participation in the classes is not required to sit for the test).  There is an additional $35 fee for the test.

Duration: Four weeks    Cost: $95

Prerequisite: Puppy Kindergarten or basic obedience class

Beginner Agility

This is a six week course designed for beginning agility students.  Our goal is to teach the dogs and their owners how to negotiate all of the obstacles used in agility trials.  Prospective students should have some basic obedience skills and be reasonably fit.   At the conclusion of this course participants should be capable of competing as novices in a sanctioned agility trial.  In addition to the weekly class, students will have access to the agility field at Pawprints in order to practice their new skills.

Duration: Six weeks        Cost: $95

Prerequisite:  Puppy Kindergarten or basic obedience class

Intermediate Agility

In intermediate agility, we will guide you on a step-by-step to better performances on the agility course. You will learn how to use obedience and directional commands to sequence smoothly and efficiently from one obstacle to the next, through turns and winding pathways. This course will help you develop a consistent set of cues for communicating with your dog on the agility course by introducing clicker training. As a result, your dog will understand your directives and you will be able to achieve the ultimate in teamwork.

Duration: Six weeks    Cost: $95

Prerequisite:  Beginner agility or advanced obedience  class

Off Leash

Take your relationship with your dog to the next level.  This four week course concentrates on the connection between you and your dog.  Become confident your dog will listen when needed even when they are not attached to the leash.  This class combines new skills with active play enabling your dog to become more attentive and focused. Be able to control your dog at a distance, develop a reliable recall and go for walks off-leash all while having a great time.

Duration: Four weeks    Cost: $75

Prerequisite:  Puppy Kindergarten or basic obedience class

Fun and Games

One of the most effective ways to reward your dog is play and when you combine play with training the result is reliable behavior.  All too often training becomes regimented and repetitive, when we introduce games to learning both dog and owner become excited about class.  You will be surprised, by incorporating fun and a little competition to training, how much your dog will learn.    

Duration: Four weeks    Cost: $75

People's Choice

This class is designed to address the behaviors dog owners find most challenging.  What makes this course unique is the participants help determine the curriculum, you get to choose what is covered in class.  Whether it is leash walking, recall, barking or door dashing this three week class provides methods and solutions owners can put to use immediately.  What better time to sharpen your dogs obedience skills and deal with those nuisance behaviors then before the holidays when your dog will be encountering friends and family at the house.  Teach your dog to sit politely when guests arrive at your home, eat your meals with a dog that does not beg at the table and receive compliments about your well-behaved pet at the end of a visit. 

Duration: Three weeks    Cost $50

Dancing with Dogs

If you have a happy, bouncy dog, this class is for you!  Learn to use your dog's energy to do something fun and stimulating for both of you.  Commands taught will give your dog the ability to follow you left, right, forward, back and around and create your own easy 'dance' routine. Getting control doesn't mean you can't have fun.

Duration: Four weeks     Cost: $95

Hollywood Dogs

Learn the secrets of Hollywood dog trainers in this creative class. Your dog learns to touch and follow a target so you can do obedience commands, directional cues, tricks and more with less effort. Fun and stimulating for your dog.

Duration: Four Weeks   Cost: $95

Prerequisites: None

Canine Cart/Weight Pulling

K-9 weight pulling is a sport available to any breed of dog in which determination is rewarded. The art of pulling with dogs is not a new one, as man has asked canines to pull carts, sleds and wagons for centuries. It was formally introduced in the United States during the 1970's and now can be seen in many different parts of the world.  The classes are open to all breeds from 12 weeks old and up.  Proof of vaccination will be required at the orientation.  The cost of the program is $75. We invite you to come join us in this new and exciting program and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Prerequisite: None

Meet Our Trainers 

Sean Verne, CPDT-KA, is a certified dog trainer with five years of experience. He and his wife, Kim Conti, are owners of Pawprints. Sean understands the unique challenges pet dogs and owners encounter over the course of their lives together.  "The perspective I have gained from interacting with our clients dogs in classes, during daycare and through private lessons has given me the opportunity to understand dog behavior and their learning process."  Sean 20 year background in the health and fitness industry makes him an excellent communicator with a desire to show results.  He teaches all levels and breeds.

Amy Robinson

Amy Robinson is a nationally recognized and certified dog trainer in Vero Beach, Florida.  Her popularity in Florida has secured her guest spots on NBC News n West Palm Beach and she has been featured in the Palm Beach Post, The Stuart News and Vero Beach Magazine.  National television appearances include “The Balancing Act” and “Designing Spaces” both on the Lifetime network. Amy wrote, produced and starred in ‘Drool School’, a DVD for kids and dogs that earned a Recommended Award from the Parents’ Choice Foundation and a “two Paws Up” review from Booklist. Amy will be teaching the fast tracked courses, such as “Beyond Basics”, "Put Your Best Paw Forward" as well as Canine Good Citizen classes in 2010.